The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has updated its fire safety in construction guidance in the wake of several large blazes on timber frame building sites.
The issue of the new guidance follows a call by the Chief Fire Officers Association for changes to Building Regulations in light of the fires, as well as a rigorous defence on national television of the build method and its fire safety by UK Timber Frame Association chairman Geoff Arnold.
Sections covering multi-storey buildings and “high risk building such as timber frame” have been strengthened to include lessons learned from recent fires.
The guidance explains how all those involved in construction projects can comply with their legal duties relating to fire risks.
Philip White, HSE chief inspector of construction, said HSE inspectors would not hesitate to take enforcement on construction sites if precautions are not followed.
